Holiday gift guide: Toys and presents kids will cheer for
Gift-giving this time of year is great—but when kids are involved, opening presents can be down-right magical. Choosing the right toy, however? Well, it can be tricky. No one wants to see tears Christmas morning (although, they’re likely inevitable at some point, huh?). We rounded up eight ideas we think children will cheer for. No pink rabbit footie suit from Aunt Clara in sight.
Let it go
Provided by Toys “R” Us
Yep, Frozen is still killing it in all things retail. If you have a youngster on your list, odds are she’s an Elsa fan. This doll features a “magical” snowflake necklace that, when pressed, speaks phrases from the icy queen as her dress lights up. And when you lift her arm, she sings Let It Go as her dress sparkles. She also comes with a crown and Olaf the snowman. Disney Frozen Snow Glow Elsa doll, $34.99, toysrus.com, for ages 3 and up
Box it up
Provided by Trunki
Does your kid want a ride-on toy, but really need a toy box to keep all her stuff tidy? Get both with this brilliant product that allows kids to take their toys with them in a travel-friendly box that they can also ride on (it has wheels!). Better yet, get a few that can be stacked or connected together to form a train. Definitely mom and kid approved! Trunki, $30, trunki.com, for kids age 3 and up
Calling all superheroes
Provided by J.Crew
Creative kids will dig the chance to design their very own superhero disguise. This kit comes with felt pieces, a mask, craft glue and glitter glue. Let the imagination games commence! Seedling design-your-own superhero mask, $24, jcrew.com, ages 4 and up
A pat on the back
Provided by Bed Bath & Beyond
Looking for something practical that seems totally fun? How about a backpack shaped like a sea creature? We’re smitten with these styles (think lobster, shark, blowfish, whale) and think your kids will be, too. Trunki PaddlePak, $24.99-$29.99, bedbathandbeyond.com, ages 2 and up
Eco-cool
Provided by YOXO
Moms who appreciate sustainable toys will love YOXO kits, that feature Y, O and X pieces that can be linked together, connecting items you already have at home, such as toilet paper tubes, paper towel roll and cereal boxes. Eco-friendly and made in the United States, we especially like the YOXO Orig, a 34-piece robot set, ages 6 and up, that gives you everything you need to build an 18-inch robot, $19.99, and the YOXO To Go, $14.99, ages 4 and up, that comes with tools to build projects including an owl, saber, bouquet and rover.
Get your dance on
Provided by Walmart
Exercise, pop culture and fun all wrapped up in one? Yep, it must be time for another round of Just Dance! The latest version features 40 top tracks and the Sweat mode counts calories for moms and dads who want to get in a little workout as they play with the kids. Just Dance 2015 (Wii U), $37.19, walmart.com, ages 10 and up
Playing dress up
Provided by Lotty Dotty
Girls who adore dressing up and playing with paper dolls will be all over these interactive T-shirts. Made using organic cotton and recyclable materials, choose a shirt featuring one of five dolls (they come with a Velcro bathing suit), and then pick up a variety of “micro” outfits, that can be attached to the shirt. You can also buy a kit that comes with two outfits. Project Runway? Get ready for the next generation of fashion designers. Lotty Dotty shirts, $20-$25, sets, $45, outfits, from $7; fits sizes 3 to 10. Lottydotty.com
Sing-along
Provided by Barnes & Noble
Music or book? How about both? This fun book by Dr. Gart includes a 15-song CD, so children can follow the story of brothers and BFFs Leedo and Booey as they head on a musical adventure, full of tunes and sounds. Lyrics and sheet music included! Sing Along with Leedo & Booey, $14.03, barnesandnoble.com, ages 2 and up
